Northern League teams face a battle against the icy Arctic blast to get the weekend's games on.

Many pitches out in the hilly wilds of Durham are still under several inches of snow and unplayable.

Meanwhile in Teesside and along the coast where the snow has thawed over the past 24 hours many pitches are now water-logged.

Added to the snow and sludge is the prospect of plunging temperatures over night as the cold snap bites and pitches could be left frozen.

"But we are hopeful that we will get the game on," said BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA boss Stuart Coleby.

Central Avenue hosts Boro reserve games and the professional Riverside groundstaff help prepare the pitch.

"We have an excellent well maintained pitch and it can take the water in a thaw so we should be okay."

Second placed Synthonia face a Jarrow Roofing side who may well have one eye on next week's FA Vase quarter-final clash.

"It can work two ways," said Stuart. "Sometimes they work harder because they are playing for shirts and sometimes they take it easy because they are saving themselves.

"We hope they will be avoiding going into tackles or busting a gut. Before the game we will wish them all the best and remind them about it."

Synners need a victory. They are eight points behind unbeaten leaders Dunston and if they are to launch a late title challenge they can't afford to drop any more.

"Every team has a wobble and when Dunston have theirs we must be in a position to take advantage," said Stuart. "We need to be looking to win every game from now on."

Synners have Craig Perry back from a ban and Michael Cater is out after surgery on a broken foot but they are otherwise at full strength.

BILLINGHAM TOWN are also hoping they can beat the weather and stage their clash with lowly Brandon.

Town also have professional help on their pitch as they stage Hartlepool United reserve games.

"We have one of the better pitches so we have a better chance than most," said boss Michael Watson.

"We want it on. We have been playing superbly lately and we want to keep the momentum going."

Town played well to beat early pacesetters Benfield Saints 2-1 last week.

Town have been rocked by the news that ex-boss Alan Robinson has raided the club to sign livewire winger Martin O'Riordan for Horden.

"I am disappointed to be losing a quality player and disappointed about the way it has been done," said Chopper. "I have let Robbo know my views on the matter."

Town are otherwise at full strength.

Rock-bottom GUISBOROUGH are due for a trip to Durham City and as plush New Ferens Park is another professionally maintained pitch - Sunderland Reserves play there - there is a fair chance it will be on.

Guisborough are desperate for a morale boosting victory. Despite two gritty draws in a row against Chester-le-Street and Consett results above them have gone badly and they are now eight points adrift.

Their remaining games include clashes with Synners and Bedlington plus derby games with Billingham Town and Thornaby and they are set to lose another three points next week for fielding an ineligible player.

Boss Steve Corden faces his weekly attempt to fashion a side out of the walking wounded, the youngsters and his few remaining key men.

THORNABY'S game with Whitley Bay at swamped Teesdale Park is off barring a meteorological miracle and there is a threat to the midweek game with West Auckland.

MARSKE avoided the snow but the pitch is heavy and there will be an inspection before their second division game with lowly Hebburn.

They will be looking for a better display than last week's 2-2 draw at whipping boys Willington.

NORTON are due to travel to South Shields but the pitch faces an inspection tomorrow.

Division two table-toppers NORTHALLERTON TOWN are due to host Seaham but it is touch and go.